Rachel Cooper '17 Recruiting Profile

When I was younger, I was able to practice tennis with my school’s varsity players and dreamed of someday playing on the team.   All year I look forward to spring tennis season because it’s my favorite time of the year.  I get to spend four months with my closest friends in an encouraging team atmosphere.  I love being on a team, cheering on my teammates and building relationships with them as we spend time together on and off the court.  Currently, some of the Florida State University players coach the academy I attend. As a result, I am able to see how similar the college tennis environment is to high school, with the exception of the increased level of competition.  I want to play college tennis because I love being part of a team and my heart is in the game.  I work very hard and understand that I am a part of something bigger.  It is not about me, it’s about what’s best for the team as a whole. 

I feel I am different because where as so many girls have natural talent at the game or in academics, I have to work really hard for every A and every match.  I have to put in more effort and more time, but I am determined to succeed.  I may be small, but I am smart and I never back down. 

To truly know me is also to know that I have a huge heart for others.  Where I am weak, I compensate with how much I care about other people.  My goal on my high school team is to make sure everyone on the team realizes that they are just as important to the team as I am, no matter their record or position.  Being there for others is my passion.  My friends are amazing. I always want to be there to listen or spend time with them because they mean the world to me.  I also lead a small group of twenty eighth-grade girls in my youth group and I love helping them and encouraging their potential.  I want them to realize how awesome they are and make sure they always feel loved.

I have to work very hard in academics to make good grades but I do so because my education is most important to me.  In college, I hope to pursue a degree in English or History, and eventually explore attending law school.  I hope that I am given the opportunity to use all my hard work through the years and love for tennis, competition, and others in a college tennis environment. I hope this gives you a better idea of who I am as a person.